Senators set sail on solar-powered boat

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Senate Sport Committee members set sail on a solar-powered boat near Sattahip as they considered a budget request to build a fleet of the unique vessels to aid in flood-disaster situations.

Sen. Niramol Siriwat, chairwoman of the panel, led the Senate contingent to Dongtan Bay where the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand hosted the solar-powered boat trial Jan. 25.

Senate Sport Committee members, led by Sen. Niramol Siriwat, prepare to board a solar powered boat with potential for use in flood crises. Senate Sport Committee members, led by Sen. Niramol Siriwat, prepare to board a solar powered boat with potential for use in flood crises.

Association Executive Director Ithipol Phadungcheevit, who invented the boat, said the prototype had been built some time ago, but was only put into service during the recent flood crisis. He said he saw potential for widespread use of the boats during future floods and wanted to give senators a first-hand view of its capabilities.